New York City, the city that never sleeps. One of my mom's favorite songs has always been New York, New York by Frank Sinatra. Having spent most of her life in Brooklyn, New York, it's considered her second home. My brothers and sister grew up there while I was born in Colorado. I still however have lots of family there, grandparents, aunts, uncles and many, many cousins, and I visit regularly. The words of Frank Sinatra still ring true, if you can make it here you can make it anywhere!
Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today.
I want to be a part of it, New York, New York.
These vagabond shoes, are longing to stray
Right through the very heart of it, New York, New York.
I wanna wake up, In a city that doesn't sleep.
And find I'm king of the hill, top of the heap.
These little town blues, are melting away.
I'll make a brand new start of it, in old New York.
If I can make it there,
I'll make it anywhere.
It's up to you, New York, New York.
So what makes New York City a tourist dream? And what can you do there that you can't do anywhere? There is always something to do and see in New York City and I want to share with you a few of them and also a few fun facts.
Statue of Liberty
Lady Liberty, the symbol of the land of the free was usually the first thing immigrants saw when they sailed into America, but did you know that the Statue of Liberty was a gift from France in 1886 and the sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi modeled her face after his mother Charlotte? While you can climb to the top and see the view from the inside of her crown, there are however 377 steps for you to get there.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is actually one of the tallest buildings in New York City and quite possibly one of the most famous skyscrapers. For a memorable view take the elevator to the 86th floor. While tourists love visiting, it's also a place of work for many people. However, did you know that The Empire State Building has its very own zip code: 10118? The lightning rod at the top is also hit approximately 23 times a year.
Rockefeller Center
While most people know about the Rockefeller Center because of their famous Christmas Tree lighting, it's also well known as a skating rink during the winter, but if you go inside you'll also find offices and shops, and even restaurants. There's also art all around like a complex and a beautiful statue of Prometheus near the skating rink.
Central Park
Also, one of New York's most famous parks, because there is so much to see and do here. There's a zoo where you can meet a grizzly bear and snow leopard, a playground, and even a castle. Kids love Central Park during the summer because then you get to ride the carousel. Did you know that Central Park is one of the most filmed locations in the world and gets an average of 40 million visitors a year?
The New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is the 2nd largest public library in the US with 125 miles of shelves which is the equivalent of 50 central parks. Underneath the library, there are 7 underground floors called stacks where books are stored. However, did you know that there are 2 floors beneath Bryant Park and that the 2 lions that guard the library are named Patience and Fortitude?
Yellow Cabs
While there are many ways to get around New York City, including the MTA (Bus and Subway system which is the largest transit system in the world), their yellow cabs are quite possibly the most famous. You can get them from any corner and they can be seen in all weather. Did you know that the average New York taxi travels as many miles in a year as it would take to drive around the world three times? So the next time you're in NY, hail a cab and enjoy the ride.Have you ever visited New York City?
